The origins of the life-size mermaids in this deserted Virginia house remain a mystery, although the property itself has a storied past, including a series of murders. I was lucky to capture photos inside the house back in 2018.
Constructed in the 1840s, the house initially served as a haven for soldiers during the Civil War before transitioning into a restaurant. It was during its time as a restaurant that the owner was implicated in the murder and concealment of over 20 bodies in a cave beneath the property, according to local historians. It is reportedly among the most haunted houses in America. To protect the property and ensure public safety, the serial killer’s identity remains undisclosed.
When I first set foot in the house, unaware of its chilling history, I was merely intrigued by the sight of the grand, forsaken structure by the roadside in Virginia. It seemed to carry the weight of a sorrowful or perhaps sinister past. Why would such a magnificent, ancient building be left to decay? Initially, my feelings were of melancholy rather than outright dread.
During my visit in 2018, all my photos turned out blurry, an unusual occurrence for me in such settings. I couldn’t understand why. My attempt to return in 2020 was thwarted when I realized, too late, that I had left my camera behind—a first for me. It felt almost as if the house itself was resisting documentation. However, my third visit proved successful.
Inside, vintage clothing was strewn about, and inexplicably, there were mermaids scattered around without any context or explanation. Despite searching, I found no clues or online information regarding their presence.
Apart from the architectural details and learning that the house was built in 1842, there were no signs that it had been used during the Civil War. This information came from a local historian who struggled to piece together the property’s history. The belongings within the house seemed to date from the 1940s onwards, presumably belonging to the last occupants.
